“On behalf of the NBA, I would like to congratulate Michele Roberts on her appointment as the NBPA’s new Executive Director and look forward to working with her and the NBPA Executive Committee to ensure the continued health and growth of our game," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a release. "The partnership between our players and teams is the backbone of the league, and we are eager to continue working with the Players Association to build this relationship."

Roberts will be the NBPA's sixth executive director and first woman to hold the position. She replaces Billy Hunter, who was removed in Feb. 2013.